Section 151 of CrPC : Section 151: Arrest to prevent the commission of cognizable offences.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: Ramesh, a police officer, receives information that a group of individuals is planning to rob a bank in Mumbai the next day. He knows that the robbery is a cognizable offence, which means it is a serious crime for which the police can arrest without a warrant.

Application of Section 151: Ramesh decides to arrest the individuals involved in the plan to prevent the robbery. He does not wait for a warrant or orders from a Magistrate because he believes that the robbery cannot be prevented otherwise. The individuals are arrested and taken into custody.

Outcome: The arrested individuals are detained for questioning. Ramesh ensures that they are not held for more than 24 hours unless further detention is authorized by law. This action prevents the robbery and ensures public safety.

Example 2:

Scenario: Priya, a police officer in Delhi, learns that a local gang is planning to incite a riot during a political rally. The riot, if it occurs, would be a cognizable offence involving violence and public disorder.

Application of Section 151: Priya decides to arrest the gang members involved in the plan to incite the riot. She does not seek a warrant or orders from a Magistrate because she believes that the riot cannot be prevented in any other way. The gang members are arrested and detained.

Outcome: The gang members are held in custody for questioning. Priya ensures that they are not detained for more than 24 hours unless further detention is legally authorized. This action helps to maintain peace and order during the political rally.

Example 3:

Scenario: In a small town in Kerala, Officer Anil receives credible information that a group of people is planning to illegally cut down a large number of trees in a protected forest area the next morning. Illegal logging is a cognizable offence.

Application of Section 151: Anil decides to arrest the individuals planning the illegal logging without waiting for a warrant or orders from a Magistrate. He believes that the illegal activity cannot be prevented otherwise. The individuals are arrested and taken into custody.

Outcome: The arrested individuals are questioned, and Anil ensures they are not detained for more than 24 hours unless further detention is authorized by law. This action helps to protect the forest and prevent environmental damage.

Example 4:

Scenario: In a busy market area in Kolkata, Officer Suman learns that a group of pickpockets is planning to target shoppers during a festival. Pickpocketing is a cognizable offence.

Application of Section 151: Suman decides to arrest the pickpockets without waiting for a warrant or orders from a Magistrate. She believes that the thefts cannot be prevented in any other way. The pickpockets are arrested and taken into custody.

Outcome: The arrested individuals are detained for questioning. Suman ensures that they are not held for more than 24 hours unless further detention is legally authorized. This action helps to protect the shoppers and maintain order during the festival.